Search NIOSH | NIOSH Home | NIOSH Topics | Site Index | Databases and Information Resources | NIOSH Products | Contact Us

Biomechanical and Physiological Study of Firefighter Boots

Objective

The primary objective of this study is to determine the effect of boot weight and design on firefighters' biomechanical and physiological responses. Two new models will be tested:

Photos of 2 types of fire fighter boots

Applicable Standards

NFPA 1971

Key Partners

NFPA
IAFF

Stakeholders

Fire departments and firefighters
Firefighter Boot manufacturers

Project Scope

To evaluate the effect of boot weight and design on men and women firefighters' oxygen consumption, peak flows, joint loading, dynamic balance, and gait characteristics
To provide much needed scientific data to the NFPA 1971 standards committee (Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting) to revise and update standards

Milestones

None

Outputs

"Physiological Consequences of Leather and Rubber Boots in Men and Women Firefighters," American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting, New Orleans, LA 2007
Published manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals

Outcomes

Encourage standards organizations to make improvements in firefighter boot standards

Page last updated: August 08, 2008
Page last reviewed: August 08, 2008
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)